Lake Palace
Lake Palace- Udaipur
About Lake Palace
This white marble structure rising out of the Lake Pichola has an irresistible charm that draws tourists from far and wide. The beauty of the Lake Palace is in a way responsible to bring Udaipur in the list of important tourists destinations of the world. Infact, the Lake Palace, along with two other palaces of Udaipur has also featured in the highly popular James Bond film, Octopussy.
The foundation of the Lake Palace was laid by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. The palace covers the entire 1.5 hectares of the Lake Palace Island, earlier known as the Jag Niwas Island. Maharana Jagat Singh was pretty friendly with the Mughal contemporary, Shah Jahan, hence, his beautiful creation in Udaipur reflects some of the Mughal architectural influence. The palace served as summer residence for the Rajput rulers of Udaipur who loved to retreat to this magnificent palace in midst of a lake.
The rooms and apartments within the Lake Palace are all a classic example of sophisticated royalty. The beauty of the palace interiors is enhanced multifolds because of the presence of cusped arches, inland stones of pink, green lotus leaves and painted mirrors. The Bada Mahal, the Khush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal are highly attractive. The upper rooms of the palace is perfectly round in shape. The courtyards have columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens which adds to the beauty of the palace.
The Lake Palace appears at its best during the dawn and dusk when the sun spreads its multihued shades in the water of the lake. Shimmering with every gust of wind, the reflection of the Lake Palace in the water is simply magical! A boat ride in the water of the Lake Pichola to or from the Lake Palace is an unforgettable experience for the tourists.
Lake Palace as a Heritage Hotel
The Lake Palace was converted into a heritage hotel in the 1960s by Maharana Bhagawat Singh and since then, the hotel is counted amongst the most beautiful & luxurious hotels of the world. The Lake Palace, operating under the Taj Group of Hotels, provides a perfect idyllic atmosphere for the guests to enjoy a cool stay amidst natural beauty.
Facilities on Offer
For the purpose of accommodation, the Lake Palace has in all 83 rooms including Standard Rooms, Deluxe Lake-facing Rooms, Luxury Rooms, Royal Suites and Grand Royal Suites. The air conditioned and spacious rooms are all elegantly decorated with different themes. The rooms have been renovated keeping in mind the taste of modern tourists, yet the opulence of the past seems to ooze from every nook and corner. For example, The Standard Rooms offer Lily Pond and terrace views, the Luxury rooms have spacious lounge area, the Lake facing rooms offer some really magical views of Lake Pichola and the Royal Suites beam with stained glass windows and traditional jholas (swings). The Grand Royal Suites, as per its name, is a step ahead as far as its interior decor is concerned. high ceilings, ornate glasswork and miniature paintings together create a magical ambience within these rooms that transports the guests into an entirely different age where luxury made its presence felt at every step.
Dining in the Lake Palace Hotel is not just about enjoying a relishing meal. Rather it is an experience that makes the guests realize how the taste of the food enhances multifold the moment a beautiful environment is created around it. The Taj Lake Palace offers its guests 2 restaurant, the Neel Kamal and the Jharokha, to dine. Jharokha sets the atmosphere in its white marble interiors with hundreds of windows. A breakfast along with a hot cup of coffee viewing the lake provides a perfect start for the day. This restaurant is open throughout the day for guests to walk in any time they wish to have something.
Neel Kamal provides a completely different atmosphere with its wood-fired cooking and a show kitchen. Rajasthani specialities and a collection of quality wines served to guests with the backdrop of classical instrumental music lingers in mind even after the lunch and dinner is over.
Light afternoon meals can also be enjoyed at the Amrit Sagar while the Sadar Ghat Bar offers a pleasing opportunity to sit in an open air terrace facing the lake and sip in exotic champagne or iced tea.
The Lake Palace has a number of recreational option for the benefit of its guests. They can have a refreshing bath in the swimming pool of the hotel. For fitness freaks, there is a mini gymnasium to work out and maintain a good health. A spa, Jiva provides a combination of Indian as well as international health & beauty treatments for guests. Shopping Arcade provides the guests an opportunity to buy some ethnic Rajasthani goods. Adding more fun and entertainment to the stay of the guests are the folk music & dance performances by the local artists as well as the puppet shows.
Special arrangements for meetings, theme parties and cocktails are also available at the Taj Lake Palace. Mewar Mahal and the Lily Ponds welcome guests for a memorable time. The meetings start off with traditional welcome with elephants and camels and culminate with beautiful fireworks. Similarly theme events means savouring delectable culinary cuisne of the region.
Accessibility
The hotel is at a distance of 25 kms from the Maharana Pratap Airport, 3 kms from the Railway Station and 2 kms from the State Roadways Bus Stand.
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